I don't really like Ranma fanfics.

	Well, that's not fair.  There are lots of really, really good
Ranma fanfics out there, and one of the best stories I've read recently
is a Ranma fanfic.  But on the whole, I could do without, oh, 90% of the
ones that are constantly being posted here and to raac ... maybe more.

	I don't know why I read "Procrastination" by Jeremy Parish.
Nothing about the title attracted my attention, and I'd never heard of the
author before (for indeed, this is his first work).

	But Parish accomplished a remarkable task, drawing me into the
perspective of Akane's friend Yuka, and her intriguing outlook on the
insanity that constitutes Akane's lifestyle, and that of her nascent
demigod iinazuke.  

	But this story isn't about them.  No, no.  That would be far too
easy, to have Yuka as a color commentator on Ranma and Akane's
relationship.  This is about Yuka's world, which *includes* Ranma and
Akane, but *doesn't* revolve around them.

	There's something in this story for everyone -- lovers of
darkness, romance, comedy, and, yes, lemon-scented stories will all find
something to like here -- and I'd recommend that everyone go find it on
raac and read it right now.

	I *would* recommend that.

	But I won't.

	As I always do when I encounter a work that impresses me, I sent
off a complimentary letter to the author.  In response, I was thanked, and
told that an "illustrated version" had been made available on his
homepage.

	I fired up Netscape and went looking.

	And was floored, because in addition to being a very talented
writer, Mr. Parish is also a talented artist.  No, it's not Takahashi's
brilliant artwork, and no, it's not really professional quality.  But it's
good, and it shows promise (even to my untrained eyes) and it deserves
notice.

	So.  At your earliest opportunity, head over to Jeremy Parish's
webpage at <http://www.geocities.com/~toastyfrog/fanfic.html>.  And PLEASE
-- be sure to send him your comments.

Chris Davies.